As The Sun Will Rise

by couronnedesfleurs

Summary:

Dissatisfied with his mundane village life and its unsolicited admirers, eccentric local beauty Jisung is fed up. He wants something different, something more, and yearns for adventure in the great wide somewhere.

When his best friend Felix goes missing and he stumbles across an enchanted castle, his wish is granted, but maybe he should've been careful what he wished for...

Or: the Minsung Beauty and the Beast AU that came straight for my throat and wouldn't let go until I wrote it

Chapter 1: Prologue: The Beast Within

Once upon a time, in a far away land, a handsome young Prince lived in a shining castle.

Although he had everything his heart desired, the Prince was cold, selfish, and unkind. His parents had died young, leaving him to grow up as a self-centred and spoilt master. He scorned the servants who cared for him and attempted to guide him down a righteous path. His words were as sharp as his profile, ice cold beauty cutting anyone who tried to get too close and risked glimpsing the ugliness below. He had never known love. He believed it was a weakness that he would never be foolish enough to succumb to. He craved beauty and abused his position to obtain it. He taxed his people harshly in order to fill his palace with the most beautiful and rare treasures. He took pleasure from famed beauties and ate only the finest delicacies while his people starved. No one dared speak out against him. He was feared rather than respected; in his eyes, these were the same thing.

One winter’s night the Prince threw one of his numerous legendary balls to celebrate his eighteenth birthday- a spellbinding, thrilling display of wealth and excess. Men and women fawned around the breathtaking Prince, hoping to be graced by his hand. Much to the Prince’s displeasure, the festivities were brought to an abrupt halt by the intrusion of a strange beggar woman at the palace entrance. Somehow, she had bypassed the towering gates and the guards. She apologised for disturbing the Prince, relaying her good wishes for his birthday. With a trembling hand, she offered him a single red rose in exchange for shelter from the bitter, biting cold.

Repulsed by her haggard appearance, the Prince insulted her. Excessively drunk and exceedingly arrogant, he sneered at her meagre gift. He encouraged his privileged guests to laugh at her pitiful state, and accused her of plucking the rose from one of the palace’s very own flower beds. Blinded by prejudice and hate, he turned the old woman away into the snow.  

She would not budge. Instead, she warned him not to be deceived by appearances, for beauty is found within.

He merely laughed, before dismissing her for the final time, threatening her with violence if she did not comply.

His laughter was cut short by gasps of shock from the onlookers. The old woman’s ugliness melted away to reveal a beautiful enchantress. She shone with an otherworldly glow, with eyes that weren’t entirely human, and the Prince realised that he had made a grave, fatal mistake.  

He tried to apologise, but it was too late, for she had seen that there was no love in his heart. He did not know how to love; he had never taken the trouble to practice. By his own making, his soul was dark and splintered while his heart was as cold as ice and achingly hollow.

She showed no mercy, just as he had shown no mercy to her and so many others. As punishment for his wicked ways, she transformed him into a hideous beast and placed a powerful spell on the palace and all its inhabitants. The Prince and his servants were forgotten by the rest of the world, as the enchantress erased all memory of them from the minds of those who had known them.

Ashamed of his monstrous form, the beast concealed himself in his castle.

As a small mercy, the enchantress had left a magic mirror as his only window to the outside world.

He had been mistaken in many, many things, but perhaps his most foolish error was in branding the old woman a thief, as the rose was like no other. It was truly an enchanted rose, and would bloom until his twenty fifth year. If he could learn to love another and earn their love in return by the time the last petal fell, then the spell would be broken. If not, he would be doomed to remain a beast for all time.

As days bled into years, he fell into despair,

Hope was lost.

Like the rose, he withered and decayed.

For who could ever learn to love a beast?

Chapter 2: Chapter 1

Notes:

If this fic seems familiar it's because I started it ages ago, had a breakdown (bon appetit), deleted it and rewrote it but it WILL be finished this time!

The valley stirred, a heat haze already beginning to rise. The bees buzzed around the begonias, the birds chirruped a cheerful tune, and the chorus of cockerels crowed loudly as dawn filtered in through the crack in the window-

‘-oh my god can you all please shut up.’

With a loud groan, Han Jisung rolled over and covered his ears with his pillow.  

He could hear Felix tinkering about downstairs. Knowing him, he’d been up for hours already.

Jisung could claim no such eagerness. He had never been a morning person, and Wednesdays were a special case. They marked his most anticipated and most dreaded moments of the week.

‘Jisung! Hurry up and get dressed or we’re going to be late!’

On one hand, Monsieur Wang’s book shop had a new delivery without fail every Wednesday. Jackson always kept a couple back for Jisung, his favourite patron.

On the other hand, to get to Mr Wang’s library, Jisung had to wade through market day, which took over the town square and every side street. The whole town would be in attendance, including a certain someone Jisung hoped with all his heart he could avoid. He’d hoped if he ignored Jaeyoung long enough, the man would lose interest and move onto another victim. However, after four months of increasing remarks and leers bordering on harassment, Jisung was starting to abandon hope. The man was tenacious; no matter what Jisung did, he could not get rid of him. 

‘Sungie, are you even out of bed yet? Don’t make me come up there!’

He could picture Felix perfectly even from upstairs, one hand on his hip as he brandished his wooden spoon like a machete. 

Rolling his eyes fondly, Jisung hauled himself out bed and pulled on the first item of clothing he could find. Taking the stairs two at a time and rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, his stomach rumbled as the smell of baking wafted towards him.

‘Whatever that is, please say you saved some for me-e-e’ he singsonged, waltzing into the kitchen and enveloping Felix in a back hug.

‘Good morning to you too Sungie’ Felix laughed, pulling a tray of gooey brownies out of their small oven with expert precision despite Jisung clinging to him like a limpet. ‘And of course, who do you think I am? I made an extra batch earlier specially for us.’

Jisung cheered, his mouth watering at the thought. Felix was truly a master baker, and the heavenly fudgy chocolatey goodness in his hands looked like his most delicious creation yet.

‘You’re the best friend in the whole wide world, have I ever told you that?’ Jisung hooked his face on Felix’s shoulder, giving him his best puppy eyes.

‘Many times, but keep praising me and maybe I’ll sneak you a pastry after the market’s over.’ Felix pressed a kiss to his friend’s cheek, tutting over his bedhead and rooting through the drawers for a comb.

Just like that, Jisung came crashing back down to earth and sank into a kitchen chair with a pout.

‘I still don’t see why I can’t just stay home, no one wants me there-ow!-’

‘-Because you lost heads or tails, and I want you there,’ Felix yanked the comb through the knots and gnarls of Jisung’s messy hair ‘and you promised to help me set up! And don’t even think of using work as an excuse, I know you’d already fixed everything by yesterday lunchtime.’ Felix pointedly looked at the wicker basket of Jisung’s projects, all mended and ready to be returned to their owners. Jisung ducked his head guiltily, eliciting a sigh from the freckled boy.

‘It’s a big day for me, Ji.’  

Jisung softened, wincing as the comb tamed his bird’s nest into something presentable.

‘I know, Lix. I promised I’d help out and I will. It’s the least I can do. But I don’t want to screw up and ruin things for you with Monsieur Lee, you know how clumsy I am-’

‘Don’t talk about yourself like that. You’re a genius, smarter than this whole town put together! I don’t know how that huge brain of yours fits in here.’ Felix playfully flicked his forehead, grabbing a ribbon and skilfully tying the top part of Jisung’s hair back into a plait. Jisung didn’t bother checking in the mirror- Felix always worked utter magic. He really didn’t know how he’d survive without his best friend.  

‘But I’m not good at these things like you are Lixie’ Jisung said quietly, fiddling with the ends of the hair ribbon. ‘I’m opinionated and awkward and can’t do small talk to save my life. Everyone thinks I’m weird and I don’t want to screw it up for you.’

Felix knelt down to meet Jisung’s eyes, his usual smile swapped for a solemn frown.

‘You listen to me, Han Jisung. It doesn’t matter what those people think of you. Their opinions aren’t truth. You’re funny, smart, loyal, insanely talented, and beautiful inside and out. I’m the luckiest guy in the world to have you by my side. If they don’t take the trouble to understand you? That’s their problem.’

‘That’s not it… I mean, I don’t care what they think of me. I care what they think of you. You’ve worked so hard for this apprenticeship, and I’d never forgive myself if you lost it because you’re associated with me!’

Taking Jisung’s hands to stop him from wringing them, Felix gave them a squeeze.

‘Sungie, breathe. You’re catastrophising. Monsieur Lee is a great mentor and he will only ever care about the standard of my baking, and anyway he loves you! So does Monsieur Wang, and they’re probably the only people in this village with a modicum of common sense.’ Jisung giggled, the tension leaving his shoulders, and Felix cracked a smile. ‘One day, we’ll have saved up enough to go find a new life somewhere else, somewhere more exciting, and this place will be a distant memory. Okay? Pinkie swear?’

Jisung took a deep breath, pulling an apron over his faded blue tunic as he helped Felix pack his goods into baskets.

‘Pinkie swear.’

…………………………..

The morning hadn’t been too bad. So far, it had actually surpassed his expectations.

Could it be that he- Han Jisung, social outcast extraordinaire, king of loners and patron saint of misfits- was actually quite good at this?

He’d waved at Monsieur Lee as he helped Felix set up his stall of cakes and pastries outside Lee’s Patisserie- all freshly and lovingly baked as the handwritten sign proclaimed. He’d contributed to inane small talk with some villagers, even if he left much of the talking to Felix. He’d even upsold some of Felix’s bakes by waxing lyrical about the flavours and varieties, much to Felix’s surprised delight.

It wasn’t that Jisung was quiet. Felix knew better than anyone how loud and boisterous his best friend actually was. He just needed to be coaxed out of his shell, to be engaged in conversation about topics he found interesting. Like cheesecake.

‘-and you simply must try this one, it’s different from the regular basque, it has a base of ginger biscuits and honeycomb, it’s one of my absolute favourites-!’

Felix grinned as he boxed up some cheesecake for the lady, setting the constellations of his freckles alight. He loved Jisung more than life, but his friend was completely oblivious to the effect he had on other people. The young woman was blushing, stars in her eyes as she watched Jisung declare his undying love for Felix’s cheesecake, probably not taking in a single word he said but gladly buying whatever he personally recommended. She walked away with a stack of boxes, looking slightly dazed, and Jisung turned to Felix with a bright expression.

‘So? How am I doing as de facto salesman?’

‘Exceptionally, Sungie. In fact, you’re coming with me to every market day from now on.’

‘No fair! And to think I agreed to help today purely out of the goodness of my heart-!’

‘- I suppose the fact I promised to make pistachio opera cake if you helped had nothing to do with it?’

‘I can’t believe you would dare to insinuate I would be so easily swayed by baked goods! But yes you’re absolutely correct.’

‘I didn’t specify when I would make you opera cake. You need to brush up your negotiation skills.’

‘Oh you wouldn’t dare.’

‘Wanna bet, Ji?’

Jisung narrowed his eyes, trying to look menacing. Felix cooed, thinking he looked like a disgruntled hamster.

‘Oh bring it on Lix. I will be holding you to your end of the deal.’

Sticking his tongue out, Jisung grabbed the chocolate tart Felix had set aside for himself and shoved it whole in his mouth. Laughing maniacally, he dodged a stack of Lee’s Patisserie business cards lobbed at his head. ‘You monster, you knew I was saving that!’

‘I’m a walking advertisement Lix, you should be thanking me! I’ll make you some more-’

‘After your most recent attempt at ramen I’d rather you didn’t.’

‘What was wrong with my ramen?!’

‘Nothing, except it was inedible’ Felix cackled at Jisung’s outraged expression.

‘It was healthy!’

‘It was dishwater.’

‘You’re just jealous of my culinary brilliance!’

That drew a very ungraceful snort from Felix, who’d forgotten temporarily about appearing professional.

‘Oh go and bother Monsieur Wang for half an hour, you utter menace! I suppose you’ve earned a break.’

‘He certainly has,’ Monsieur Lee chimed in as he brought out a fresh tray of pain au chocolat and croissants to his apprentice. ‘I’ve had to stoke the fires twice already! He’s our lucky charm.’

Trying to smile politely without spraying crumbs everywhere, Jisung slipped away, savouring the last of his stolen tart.

He weaved through the crowds of people, automatically aiming for Monsieur Wang’s bookshop. He felt light and buoyant, uncharacteristically content in the bustling town. Felix was truly a ray of sunshine even when they bickered. The swarms of people haggling for discounted prices created a racket far louder than Jisung would normally be comfortable with, but Felix had managed to make it seem exciting rather than draining. His cheeriness was infectious and Jisung couldn’t be prouder of his hardworking friend. He truly deserved the world. Perhaps Monsieur Wang would have some new cookery books available so he could treat Felix…

Turning into a side alley which acted as a shortcut, Jisung’s stepped slowed, eventually coming to a complete stop. Idiot. He should’ve brought a pastry or sweet treat for Monsieur Wang. He was always so kind to Jisung, after all. It was the least he could do. Perhaps he would like a tarte tatin? He’d definitely mentioned mille-feuille before. Or was he more of an éclair fan?

Lost in thought and doubling back on himself, Jisung didn’t see the figure looming over him until he found his path blocked by something large and solid.

‘Oof! Sorry, I didn’t see- oh. It’s you.’

Park Jaeyoung laughed, steadying Jisung as he stumbled back. He’d clearly just returned from a hunting party, his arrows slung over his broad shoulder. He didn’t retract his arm, but shifted his grip so it wound loosely against Jisung’s waist

‘You sound surprised to see me. Not disappointed, I hope?’

‘I don’t know what would give you that idea’ Jisung muttered, trying to shake off Jaeyoung’s grip ‘I have somewhere to be, if you would excuse me-’

‘-Clearly. You’re in such a rush that you barrelled headfirst into me and almost went flying! Lucky I was here to save you.’

He winked, having probably practised it a hundred times in his bedroom mirror. Instead of swooning, Jisung coughed awkwardly.

‘Yeah, um, thanks for that, but I don’t actually need saving. Anyway, I’ve got to go-’

‘-But I’ve only just found you! I missed you, Jisungie. You’ve been avoiding me.’

Jisung’s stomach roiled, though whether it was due to the pet name or the implications, he wasn’t sure. Suddenly the chocolate tart didn’t seem that delicious anymore.

‘You- you were following me?’

Jaeyoung laughed again, a booming empty thing that echoed around the deserted alley and caged Jisung in. ‘For the smartest kid in town, you’re a bit slow sometimes. I’m a hunter, Jisungie. It’s what I do. I find my prey, learn all their routes by heart, their behaviours, their habits. I follow them from a distance, then I make my move.’

‘How…fascinating.’

‘I’m glad you think so’ Jaeyoung said easily, completely ignoring the sarcasm and waves of unease that radiated off Jisung as he leaned closer, backing Jisung up against the wall. ‘I never lose, you know. I’m known as the best around these parts for a reason. I can provide for my family easily. My future husband will want for nothing.’

‘Lucky them. I really do have to go, so please-’

‘Do you know who that husband will be, Jisung?’

‘I haven’t the foggiest.’

Bracing his other hand against the brick wall next to Jisung’s head, Jaeyoung smiled. It wasn’t kind. Jisung was reminded of a book about sharks he’d read ages ago in Monsieur Wang’s shop. Dead eyes and far too many teeth.

‘You’re such a little tease, Han Jisung. You know exactly who I’m talking about. When will you stop playing house with the baker’s boy and come live with me? I can make you happy, fulfil all your dreams-’

‘-and what do you know of my dreams?’ Jisung retorted, trying to wriggle out of Jaeyoung’s grasp. The grip tightened slightly as Jaeyoung leaned in far too close- not painful, but enough of a warning.

‘I know plenty. I know that you’re a clever little thing, but you need taming. Even the wildest beasts will yield with the right approach. You need someone who will adore you, who will tend to your every desire, give you a family-’

‘-You know nothing. You don’t know a damn thing about me or my dreams or my desires. Now let me go.’

His face was right up in Jisung’s, and he could see far more than he would ever want to. For a man regarded as the most handsome suitor by the entire village, Jisung couldn’t get over how ugly he was. His entitlement reeked from every pore. The sharp blades of his cheekbones belied his arrogance, his slicked back hair his betrayed his vanity. He used his height and muscle to intimidate and bully and conquer people into getting his way, when he could be doing something good. The cold black eyes bored into Jisung as though he was a fresh kill ready to be devoured, and he shivered. The repulsive man grinned, clearly mistaking his fear for excitement.

‘While I like your fire, I’m getting rather tired of being rejected by you, sweetheart. It was fun at first, this little chase- our game, if you will…’

He stroked down Jisung’s cheek, poking at the soft skin. His mind was screaming at him to run, to yell, but Jisung was paralysed by fear. It had never escalated to this level before. His usual deflection hadn’t worked. Why couldn’t Jaeyoung just leave him alone?

‘So pretty. You’ll be the perfect little housewife for me. Look at you: you’re even dressing the part. My god, does it suit you.’

His eyes were hungry as he tweaked the bow at the top of Jisung’s apron, toying with the strings.

‘No one will ever treat you as well as me, Sungie. And make no mistake, no one else will ever have the chance.’

There was a tiny crumb at the corner of Jisung’s mouth, a remnant of the chocolate tart. Jaeyoung swiped it like a starving man and made a show of licking it off his finger suggestively. Jisung felt physically ill, his eyes darting left and right down the alley, praying for someone, anyone, to walk in and stop whatever this was-

‘The sweetest treat. All for me-’

‘Jisung! Is that you?’

He had never been more relieved to hear Monsieur Wang’s voice in his life. Ducking under Jaeyoung’s arm, he scooted away as fast as his trembling legs could carry him.

Jackson stood at the entrance, his eyes narrowed into slits as he stared Jaeyoung down.

‘Park. You’d better move along quick before I tell the Mayor what I just witnessed.’

Jaeyoung smiled, all ease and friendliness, hiding behind the amiable mask that had most of the village fooled.

‘I don’t know what you mean, Monsieur Wang. I was just catching up with dear Jisung here, as I hadn’t seen him for a while. My uncle doesn’t need to be bothered with petty complaints. He’s a busy man, lots of important work to do- not that you’d know much about that, with your quaint little bookshop.’

Jisung clenched his fists, anger permeating the fear and giving him his voice back before Monsieur Wang could retaliate.

‘You have no place to comment, as I doubt you’ve ever even picked up a book. You should try it sometime: it might wipe some of the ignorance off your face.’

Monsieur Wang sniggered. Jisung’s heart was pumping furiously, and Jaeyoung’s face shadowed with embarrassment and anger. He clearly hadn’t expected Jisung to talk back, much less put him down in front of witnesses. His gaze flickered to Monsieur Wang briefly before turning back to Jisung, as if weighing up his chances.

‘So, you’re still playing hard to get. Cute. I’ll humour you Sungie, but just this once. Don’t get too comfortable.’

Without another word, he disappeared into the alley and around the corner, and Jisung remembered what it felt like to breathe.

Notes:

Ngl I didn't proof read the second half of this bc I'm half asleep and it probably shows oops I'm sorry

Comments are love and give me fuel/inspiration/the will to live 💕

Thank you for reading and stay tuned for chapter 2...

Come scream about Minsung with me on Tumblr.

Chapter 3: Chapter 2

 

‘But what did that slimeball say to you, Sungie? Jackson wouldn’t tell me everything, he said it was your business, but I need to know-’

In lieu of an answer, Jisung took a huge bite out of his brioche. It was another beautiful day, luring hordes of townsfolk out of their houses despite the lack of the market. Hopefully Felix would think that Jisung couldn’t hear him over the hustle and bustle and would drop the subject altogether-

‘Han Jisung.’

Jisung blanched, his steps quickening.

Oh shit, Felix’s scary teacher voice activated. Time for plan B.

Jisung aimed for a placating smile, which proved difficult with a mouthful of bread and a body visibly exhausted from multiple sleepless nights.  He locked eyes with his best friend, making sure to exaggerate the puppy eyes and innocent expression. He knew instantly that he’d backfired. Felix was wearing that face, the face that screamed it doesn’t matter when or how or who I have to blackmail with confectionery but I will get my way.

Swallowing the last of the heavenly viennoiserie Felix had baked that morning in an attempt to bribe him- ‘They remind me of your cheeks Sungie, so soft and squishy!’- Jisung stubbornly set his gaze firmly ahead as they made their way to the bookshop.

‘It’s fine, Lix. Really.’

It was decidedly not fine.

After the altercation with Jaeyoung, he hadn’t ventured into town for several days. Jackson had escorted a shaken Jisung home (but not without stopping via his bookshop to pick up the novels he’d set aside for Jisung) and let Felix know the barest bones of what had occurred. Despite denying accusations from certain people- ‘For the last time I am not becoming a hermit Felix, I’ve been indoors for two days!’ ‘Exactly, you’ll die from vitamin D deficiency and leave me all alone! Not to mention mourning clothes do no favours for my complexion!’- Jisung could only admit to himself that he was hiding. He dreaded the thought of going outside. Monsieur Wang’s shop might as well have been on another planet. His one solace outside these four walls had been threatened by Jaeyoung’s persistence.

But life wouldn’t leave Jisung alone for long. Burying himself in his novels and evading Felix’s questions and concern as best he could (read: failing miserably) had only temporarily delayed the inevitable. Felix’s baking only brought in so much, and he couldn’t afford to neglect his own responsibilities: broken machinery had to be fixed, items had to be returned to their owners, payment had to be collected.

Just as Felix excelled at cooking, Jisung was talented at fixing things. They took advantage to pay their bills and keep themselves sane in their insular little town. He found it calming to tinker with broken clocks and machinery, the predictable cogs and wheels giving him a sense of stability. They made much more sense than people. There were never any grey areas, never any awkward silences, never any moments where Jisung knew he’d put his foot in it and wanted to bury himself in a dark hole. Even when he had to interact with customers, he usually dragged Felix along to help him. His sunshine best friend was naturally social, whereas Jisung felt like he belonged to the fantasy worlds of his beloved books more than real life.

With no money to explore further afield as he truly desired and find out what the world had to offer, Jisung sought adventure from his books instead. They were his escape from mundanity. He wasn’t sure what age exactly he’d started reading, but he would rather die than stop. He’d read every book he could ever get his hands on at least thrice over and didn’t discriminate. Fantasies and romances were his favourite genres, but he was still content reading a science thesis or a biography of some obscure, esoteric mathematician.

Everyone in the village knew Jisung to be a genius (even if they used disparaging terms like ‘nerd’ or ‘bookworm’) but he didn’t feel he was any more intelligent than the average person. His brain was just like everyone else’s. The difference was that ever since he could read, he had devoured learning of all kinds: formulas and equations, poems and epics, tragedies and comedies. The payoff meant that Jisung could supplement his and Felix’s income with the skills he’d learnt from manuals and textbooks, having taught himself to fix and mend and create. He could happily curl up in his workroom surrounded by his tools and projects and a new book, filling his head with more knowledge, and never speak to anyone for a whole week (Felix excluded, of course. Maybe he had a point with the hermit allegations).

He'd already finished the three novels Monsieur Wang had set aside for him, so visiting the bookshop was top priority for Jisung to replenish his mind and keep him distracted from real life.

But even with Felix by his side, he felt skittish. Even more so than usual. He hated the knot of anxiety in his stomach, making him fidget and avoid people’s gazes in a bid to become invisible. He hated the whispers he fought so hard to unhear, gossip about what exactly was brewing between the ‘hot hunter and the strange inventor’. He hated Jaeyoung most of all, for treating him like an object, for making him feel about four inches tall, for ruining the quiet peace he and Felix had built. His best friend had enough troubles without Jisung’s unwanted admirer adding to his worries.

To divert the argument, Jisung played dirty.

‘If it was anything important, I wouldn’t keep it a secret from you, unlike some people’ he deflected with an exaggerated sigh, adjusting his hair ribbon where it had come loose. ‘Skulking around in the shadows and writing secret letters with that dopey smile on your face you only do when you think no one’s looking.’

That caught Felix off guard, nearly dropping his croissant as he spluttered.

‘Me? Keeping a secret? You know I can’t lie for shit! And I do not have a dopey smile!’

‘Mm. You wouldn’t lie outright BUT it doesn’t change the fact you’ve been skirting around something for days now. And yes, you most definitely do.’

Felix scoffed. ‘Look who’s talking. You’ve been lying to me for days now, even after I’ve baked you bread and let you wallow in your books!’

‘These are different scenarios! You’re keeping some huge exciting secret from me, something good, whereas I just had an encounter with the town’s resident scumbag who can’t keep his hands to himself, it’s hardly newsworthy-’

‘Wait, he put his hands on you?!’

Felix screeched to a halt. His kind face didn’t suit the wave of anger that came sweeping over it, narrowing his eyes and thinning his mouth. Even his freckles looked fierce. ‘Wait til I find him, I’ll show him just what my hands can do-’

Jisung grabbed his clenched fists and pulled him back as he changed direction for the tavern, eyes darting left and right to make sure they weren’t being overheard. The poor croissant was now a pile of crumbs, an innocent bystander and yet another victim of Jaeyoung’s actions.

‘-Lix, no. He’s not worth it. He’ll get bored and move on.’ Eventually.

Felix rounded on him, his eyes furious.

‘That’s what you said months ago, Jisung! This has gone on long enough, he can’t continue to get away with this-’

‘But that’s just it, isn’t it? He will. We all know it. Mayor Park won’t ever believe a bad word said about his nephew. We’d only be risking ourselves and our lives here.’

‘I don’t care! It’s not right, he can’t just act however he likes! Who knows what he’ll try next?!’

Slipping his fingers through Jisung’s, Felix sagged, the anger dissipating as his eyes filled with tears. ‘I can’t see you hurt, Jisung. I’d never forgive myself if I stood back and watched it happen, knowing I could have prevented it.’

Jisung squeezed Felix’s hand. He resumed their route towards Monsieur Wang’s shop, still keeping a wary eye on the horizon for his least favourite huntsman and making sure they kept well away from the tavern. They were used to getting looks from the townsfolk for all sorts of reasons- for being newcomers, for their eccentric passions, for their looks (which made Jisung uncomfortable before Jaeyoung had even been involved)- but Jisung didn’t think it was only his paranoia that made the whispers louder and the stares more prevalent as they hurried along.

They’d caused quite a stir when they settled in the town five years ago. Two boys who looked suspiciously young to be living alone with no parents or guardians, no backstory and little money. Secretly they hoped the townsfolk would lose interest as they grew, but unfortunately so did their looks, which only attracted even more attention.

They were a visually striking pair with their delicate features: Felix with his long blonde hair, blindingly bright smile and smatterings of freckles. Jisung, pouty mouthed, his huge dark eyes taking up most of his face which boasted a beautifully smooth complexion. The sun and the moon, around which the village gossip and rumour revolved.  

When Monsieur Lee took Felix under his wing, he’d admitted to his apprentice that the young men and women of the village were desperate to gain his and Jisung’s affections. Felix was so married to his profession that he clearly didn’t have time or desire for a relationship, though his friendly manner and beaming smile still broke many customers’ hearts.

Jisung, on the other hand…

‘There’s no preventing it. It’s not your fault; you aren’t to blame, Lix. The only one to blame is him for being utterly vile. But as long as we live here, we live by their rules. By Mayor Park’s rules. We don’t have any choice.’

A heavy silence hung in the air as they walked. Felix had a bad habit of biting his lip when he was stressed, and the right side was cherry red where he’d been chewing.

‘Maybe we do.’ He met Jisung’s quizzical gaze, worry and guilt marring his features. ‘Monsieur Lee… well, he’s pleased with my progress. He really thinks I have a future in this business.’

‘That’s amazing news!! Not that it’s surprising, anyone with tastebuds can tell you how talented you are’ Jisung praised. Felix smiled weakly, squeezing his hand graciously.

‘Thanks Ji. He’s been talking about a promotion for a long time, but… I didn’t realise exactly what he meant at first. The thing is, he doesn’t want me to work at his patisserie anymore.’

‘WHAT?’ Jisung exploded, the pigeons roosting on the house opposite fleeing in fright. ‘Is he INSANE?’

‘Shhh, it’s not what you think. He doesn’t want me to work in his patisserie because he wants me to open a brand new one a few towns away.’

The fury evaporated instantly as Jisung threw himself onto Felix with a shriek of excitement.

‘How dare you keep this a secret from me! Lix, this is- it’s incredible! You’re incredible!’

His best friend’s cheeks flushed a pretty shade of rose, though his eyes had turned solemn.

‘I kept it secret because I can’t accept.’

Jisung goggled at him.

‘‘Can’t accept’? What on earth are you on about? Of course you can!’

‘It’s not as easy as that, Ji-’

‘Yes, it is! Why would you turn down something as incredible as that?’

Felix’s lip was at serious risk of bleeding.  

‘Because I either have to leave you behind or take you away from what we’ve spent years building.’

If his eyes bugged out any further, Jisung would risk losing them altogether.

‘You’re not serious.’

‘We couldn’t stay here. It’s over two hours away, and that’s not even a round trip,’ Felix rambled, releasing Jisung’s hand and wringing his together. ‘You’d have to start again and find new customers-’

‘I meant you’re not seriously considering turning this down for me?’

‘You wouldn’t be able to visit Monsieur Wang anymore. I can’t do that to you, uproot you from our home- I can’t take away the one thing that makes you truly happy-’

‘Lix, I could come and visit Monsieur Wang, and it’s not like I’d be losing the ability to read! I can find new customers easily. There’s nothing holding you back, and I’ll be right by your side the whole way.’

‘It’s not the dream you were hoping for. I know you want to travel, to see the rest of the world-’

‘And two hours from here is an excellent start. This is the beginning of your dream, Felix. Mine can wait for a little while.’

‘You… you really don’t mind?’

‘I’ll mind if you turn down Monsieur Lee,’ Jisung retorted, playfully cuffing Felix on the head. ‘I personally want to be there when you give your answer, so I know you don’t do anything heroically stupid.’

‘Says the man who spends all his time reading and daydreaming about stupid heroics.’ Felix stuck out his tongue, darting away from an outraged Jisung.

They parted ways at the entrance to the bookshop, Felix insisting that he didn’t need Jisung’s supervision as he made in the direction of the bakery. He had nothing against books, but he was eager to see Monsieur Lee. Who knew how long Jisung would spend talking Monsieur Wang’s ear off about the latest acquisitions.

‘Back already, Jisung? I didn’t expect to see you for another day at least!’

The bell jingled cheerily in the otherwise empty shop. With a sheepish smile, Jisung reluctantly handed the books back.

‘I couldn’t put them down, Monsieur Wang. They were the best yet.’

‘I had a feeling you might say that. After all this time, I like to think I know your tastes very well.’

‘You surpassed yourself. I burnt Felix’s custard because I was desperate to find out what happened behind the veil! He wasn’t too happy, but he just doesn’t understand how exciting it was! I had to make it all from scratch again.’

Jackson laughed, setting the glossy new books aside.

‘He should know better than to expect much from a spellbound reader.’

‘That’s what I told him. Then he made me do all the washing up,’ Jisung pouted, already poring through the shelves. He ran his fingers along the spines, tracing the leather and thread, greeting the titles like the old friends they were. ‘I don’t suppose you’ve got anything new?’

‘Not since Wednesday, I’m afraid.’

Jisung hummed, expecting as such. They had the same conversation every week.

‘That’s okay.’ He skimmed the sections, a small crease between his eyebrows as if he didn’t know the order by heart. His hands moved on autopilot, reaching instinctively for a small turquoise volume. ‘Maybe… this one.’

‘That one?’ Monsieur Wang leaned in to read the title, chuckling. ‘You’ve read that one no less than five times!’

‘But it’s my favourite! It has everything: far off places, daring sword fights, magic spells, a prince in disguise!’ Jisung gushed, his eyes shining. ‘I could never ever get bored of it.’

He paused, suddenly shy. Jackson was always so kind to him, never letting him pay for anything, knowing he and Felix barely made ends meet. Even though Jisung must have read the whole shop at least twice over as if it was a library.

‘Well, it sounds like it deserves a new home, hmm?’  

Jisung smiled weakly, nodding as he foraged in his pocket for some coins. It was an extravagance, to be sure, maybe he could take on some more projects over the weekend…

But when he offered the payment to Jackson, it was stoutly ignored.

‘It’s yours, Jisung. Don’t be ridiculous.’

‘But I… I couldn’t possibly take it! Please, I have the money-’

‘It’s not about the money, Jisung,’ Jackson smiled, pressing the book gently against Jisung’s chest. ‘No one appreciates my books as much as you do, there’s no better place for them. And this one is clearly meant for you.’

‘You never ask me for payment though. I- I don’t want to seem ungrateful-’

‘You visiting here every week, caring for my books, brightening my day with intelligent conversation- no offence to the rest of my patrons-’ Jisung giggled into his sleeve. ‘-is payment enough for me. I don’t know how many more times I can explain the meaning of a plot twist.’

‘Thank you, Monsieur Wang. But I may have some bad news on that score.’

‘Oh?’

‘Monsieur Lee wants Felix to open a new bakery for him.’

‘That’s brilliant news! What’s so bad about that?’

‘It’s two hours away.’

‘Ah.’

Jackson was silent for a few moments, his expression thoughtful.

‘I think this is possibly the best thing that could have happened for the two of you.’

Jisung nearly dropped the book.

‘W- Really? What do you mean?’

Jackson gestured around them at the lack of customers. The hubbub outside seemed so separate to the calm, cosy atmosphere inside the bookshop, as if they existed in a bubble.

‘This town is far from the thriving, vibrant place it once was. Oh, don’t get me wrong- there’s plenty of people and trade, the population keeps growing, but no one cares anymore. Nobody has the time or inclination for the arts, or for learning. The Mayor has just declared that school time will be slashed in half-’

‘What?! But- but why? Why would he do that?’

Even though Jisung’s early memories were hazy at best, school had always been a constant until they arrived in Mayor Park’s town and began to work immediately to support themselves. He couldn’t imagine a world where children were denied the experience.

‘According to our esteemed Mayor, it’s a waste of time when children could be learning more practical skills,’ Jackson said bitterly. ‘Apparently, they’re much more useful when they can barely read and lack imagination. Using only their hands and never their brains.’

‘Easier to manipulate,’ Jisung breathed, his stomach turning. ‘They’ll never even realise what they’re missing out on. They’ll think it’s all normal.’

‘Exactly.’

Jackosn’s expression was grim. ‘I’ve managed this store for ten years, but only now am I thinking of packing up and moving elsewhere. The children are innocent, but the adults are either ignorant or complicit. Neither will lead to anything good. Who knows, maybe I’ll join you and Felix in your new ventures.’  

‘You deserve better, Monsieur Wang. Those children deserve better.’ Where shock had settled, anger now began to rise as Jisung paced the floorboards. ‘How can we let Mayor Park get away with this? He already controls virtually everything- prices, taxes, laws. Now he’s threatening to take away education, freedom of choice! He’s as corrupt as they come.’

Jackson hummed in agreement.

‘Unsurprisingly, we must add nepotism to his list of crimes. A certain,’ his nose screwed up in disgust ‘hunter has been nominated for the next councillor election, and I think we all know who will win.’

The brioche in Jisung’s stomach threatened to expel itself.

‘Him? Jaeyoung? Being given power and influence? Can’t anybody see how ridiculous that is? I don’t think he’d even know what a council is!’

‘Mayor Park doesn’t care about his nephew’s talents, or lack thereof, as long as he stays loyal. It’s a common enough thing in these ancient families, but Jaeyoung is especially dangerous.’ Jackson looked pointedly at Jisung. ‘Yes. I think it’s a very good thing that you will be leaving the likes of him behind. He doesn’t have enough brain function to understand the word ‘no’.’

‘He’s abhorrent,’ Jisung shivered. ‘I have no idea why he’s so fixated on me. We couldn’t be less alike. He spends his days shooting, drinking, and fighting. Surely he knows I would bore him to death?’

‘Men like him only deal in superlatives. The fastest, the strongest, the best. You’re the most beautiful boy in town, Jisung, and you aren’t interested in him. He takes that as a personal challenge.’

‘I’m not a piece of game. I’m a person, with thoughts and feelings and dreams far bigger than he could ever begin to imagine.’

‘Like I said. He takes that as a personal challenge.’

‘But aren’t I letting him win if I leave? Isn’t that admitting defeat? Doesn’t that make me weak?’

Jackson’s eyes were soft, sympathetic. ‘There’s nothing weak about refusing to enter a war you never started, Jisung. I think you’re very brave, and very wise, to leave as soon as you both can. You have amazing potential, and the whole world at your fingertips, as long as you always follow your instincts. Remember that.’

Before Jisung knew what he was doing, he’d crushed Monsieur Wang into a hug.

‘Thank you,’ he murmured, replaying the words of his mentor and committing them to memory. ‘Thank you for believing in me.’

Jackson ruffled his hair playfully. ‘It’s no hardship, Jisung. You’re a special young man. I hope to see you often before you leave, yes?’

‘You won’t be able to keep me away,’ Jisung countered, his heart already aching at the thought of his bookshop visits now being confined to a single number.

As he left, book clutched tightly by his side, Jackson imparted a final piece of wisdom.

‘Tell as few people as possible about your departure. We wouldn’t want anyone getting ideas.’

He told Felix he’d meet him at Monsieur Lee’s after he left the bookshop but instead found himself wandering around aimlessly. The conversation with Jackson wouldn’t stop playing on loop in his brain.

‘Nobody has the time or inclination for learning… school time will be slashed in half… waste of time…more important things…’

‘It’s criminal,’ Jisung muttered under his breath, barely avoiding walking into a woman clutching armfuls of washing. ‘How can he do that? How can everyone be okay with it?’

He sat cross-legged on the edge of a laundry barrel that wasn’t being used, deciding to read until he’d calmed down enough to find Felix. He didn’t miss the scornful looks from the nearby women as they roughly dragged their linen down corrugated washboards, rags floating in the murky water.

He knew what they were thinking. How he must appear. Aloof, eccentric, odd. Burying his nose in fancy useless books whilst they toiled and strained. He and Felix had repurposed the old pigsty at the bottom of their garden into a laundry appliance, using levers and gears so that they didn’t even need to use their horse, Bbama, to trigger the mechanism. But just because he didn’t wash his laundry in public didn’t mean he had no struggles.

‘Whatcha doing?’

Jisung was very glad there was no water in the barrel as he almost slipped in. A tiny girl, no older than three, had crawled up onto the ledge beside him. She stared at him with huge blue eyes as he fumbled for what to say.

‘Oh, um, I’m reading.’

He showed her the page, which happened to have an illustration of the main character. The child gasped, leaning closer.

‘Pwetty!’ she exclaimed, pointing at the image. Jisung smiled.

‘Yes, she is. She’s very pretty and very kind.’

‘Kind?’

‘Yes. She helps people, see?’

Jisung explained patiently that the golden-haired princess was giving out money, food and medicine to her people.

‘Pwetty? Pwincess are pwetty?’

‘Yes, that’s right.’

The girl beamed toothily, pointing at Jisung. ‘Pwincess!’

Jisung flushed.

‘Oh no, no, that’s, I’m not-’

‘You’re pwetty, so you must be a pwincess!’

His cheeks ablaze, Jisung ducked his head.

‘Thank you, you’re very sweet. What’s your name?’

‘Lilia. Leee-leee-ahhh,’ she said proudly. ‘I’m thwee!’

‘Three?’ Jisung gasped ‘You’re such a big girl! Well, Lilia, you’re very sweet and very kind and very beautiful. So, I think that you are also a princess. What do you say to that?’

Lilia giggled delightedly, clapping her tiny hands together.

‘Yesyeses, I wanna be pwincess!’

‘Okay, so it’s settled. Princess Lilia it is.’

The toddler squirmed closer, tugging at his hair. ‘Pwetty,’ she said in awe, touching the ribbon he’d tied that morning.

Now that she was nearer, Jisung frowned. Her clothes were fine, but there were streaks of soot on her cheeks, and her hair looked like it hadn’t been brushed in a while.

‘Is your mummy here, Lilia?’

She pouted, shaking her head as she stroked the hairbow.

‘Mummy’s gone to work. Daddy’s gone to heaven.’

Jisung bit his lip.

‘So you’re all alone?’

‘School finished early. Mummy’s at work. They’re scary.’

She nodded at the women close by. They were clearly supposed to be watching her but hadn’t even realised she’d wandered off.

Anger burned low in his gut, but he kept it from his expression.

‘Well, how does it sound if we hang out here until your mummy gets back? I’m Jisung.’

‘Jeee-suuung,’ she said slowly, sounding the vowels out with care. He smiled. ‘That’s right. You’ve got it!’

‘Pwincess Jeesuuung!’ she cheered. Not quite, but it would do. He wiped the smudges off her face and gently combed his fingers through her hair, carefully untangling the knots and smoothing it down.

‘Would Princess Lilia like to read more of the story?’ he offered. She hesitated.

‘Reeed?’

‘We can do it together out loud, very slowly. Like sounding out our names, right? Lee-lee-ahhh. Jee-suuuung.’

She tilted her head, still fixated on his ribbon. Behind them, one of the women had spotted the unlikely pair, and drawn the others attention.

‘Only if I get pwincess hair.’

‘It’s a deal.’

She plopped herself happily into her lap, the book propped up between her small hands. He pulled the ribbon out of his hair and began dividing hers into sections.  

‘W-uns upon a t-tym, in a f- fuh…’

‘Faar-aaah-waaaay,’ Jisung sounded out patiently, plaiting the ribbon into the sides of her hair. She kicked her feet together.

‘In a faaaar-aaaah-waaaay-’

She suddenly squealed.

‘I don’t think that’s a word?’

‘No, look, pwincess!’ she gasped, pointing at a newly arrived Felix. He was ladened down with baskets of pastries and looked utterly bewildered. Over his shoulder, one of the women stormed off with a loud ‘hmph’.

‘What… what is happening right now? Who’s this little sweetheart?’ Felix leaned down to wave at Lilia.

‘I’m pwincess lee-lee-ahhh, I’m thwee, this is pwincess jee-suuung!’

‘‘Princess Jisung’, huh?’ Felix grinned as Jisung rolled his eyes. ‘So does that make me Princess Felix?’

‘Uh huh! I can reeed,’ she said proudly, holding up the book, before spotting Felix’s goodies and completely losing interest.

‘Someone needs to teach her. The school’s barely staying open now, thanks to Mayor Park,’ Jisung said lowly. Felix’s eyebrows almost disappeared into his hairline as he absently pulled off a piece of soft yum-yum dough that Lilia could eat safely.

‘Wait, really? So Monsieur Lee was right after all…’

‘He knew?’

‘His kids have all aged out of school, but he’d heard it was getting bad. The Mayor doesn’t want anyone getting…ideas above their station.’

‘How terrible that would be. Almost like a hunter getting a place on the council.’

‘No. You’re not serious!’

‘Would I joke about something that unfunny?’

Lilia chewed without a care in the world, surprisingly opening the book again.

‘Wanna reeed more, Jeesuung!’

‘Your wish is my command, princess,’ Jisung put on a fake smile. ‘So the line continues with a ‘lah’ sound…what’s this word?’

‘Land?’

‘Yes! You’re so smart- what?’ he hissed at Felix who was tugging his sleeve. The woman was back, but she’d brought a crowd.

‘Sungie,’ Felix whispered nervously as he eyed the less-than-pleased villagers. ‘Maybe this isn’t such a good idea…’

‘Rubbish,’ Jisung said, bouncing Lilia on his lap and cooing at her toothy smile. ‘These children deserve to learn and to know how to read, even if Mayor Park won’t-’

‘If Mayor Park won’t what, young man?’

Jisung startled and even Lilia’s smile faded as the Mayor loomed over them. He cut a ridiculous figure in his flashy outfit, complete with a fake smile and equally fake furs- at least, Jisung hoped they were fake.

‘M-Mayor Park,’ Felix stuttered ‘we were just-’

‘Teaching the children how to read?’

‘Yes sir,’ Jisung said firmly, rocking the child in his arms to soothe her ‘As their school days are so short now, I wanted to make sure their reading skills aren’t suffering because of it.’

The Mayor’s stare bored silently into him, the smile frozen on his face.

‘Your name is Han Jisung, is it not? My nephew speaks of you often. He holds somewhat of a…torch for you.’

Jisung suppressed a flinch. He didn’t want to know what those conversations entailed.

‘Ah, I call that positively providential! Here he comes now.’

Notes:

Felix coulda dropped his croissant! (RIP vine I miss you sm)

Poor Jisung, he be going through it but never fear because Lee Know will soon be here to scare the absolute shit out of him 💕

Comments and kudos are love!

Until next time, thank you for reading ~